# Meiji period - Historical context — selected ruler coverage

URL: https://history-japan.com/rulers/meiji-period
Reign: 1868 – 1912
Dynasty: Historical periods
Wikipedia: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Meiji_period

State centralization, industrialization and imperial expansion transformed Japan.

## Succession
- Preceded by: [Emperor Meiji](https://history-japan.com/rulers/emperor-meiji)
- Succeeded by: [Ito Hirobumi](https://history-japan.com/rulers/ito-hirobumi-1885)

## Timeline events during this reign
- 1868 - [Meiji Restoration](https://history-japan.com/timeline/1868-meiji-restoration)
- 1871 - [Domains are abolished](https://history-japan.com/timeline/1871-domains-are-abolished)
- 1877 - [Satsuma Rebellion](https://history-japan.com/timeline/1877-satsuma-rebellion)
- 1885 - [Japan establishes the cabinet system](https://history-japan.com/timeline/1885-japan-establishes-the-cabinet-system)
- 1889 - [Meiji Constitution is promulgated](https://history-japan.com/timeline/1889-meiji-constitution-is-promulgated)
- 1894 - [First Sino-Japanese War](https://history-japan.com/timeline/1894-first-sino-japanese-war)
- 1904 - [Russo-Japanese War begins](https://history-japan.com/timeline/1904-russo-japanese-war-begins)
- 1910 - [Japan annexes Korea](https://history-japan.com/timeline/1910-japan-annexes-korea)